MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Quade realized just how much his life had changed when he returned to Florida and a neighbor delivered some chicken soup to welcome him home.
She also brought along a dozen baseballs for him to sign.
He’s a man whose signature means more now than ever. He’s the manager of one of baseball’s marquee teams, the Chicago Cubs.
After managing more than 2,000 minor league games and serving as the team’s third base coach, Quade ran the Cubs on an interim basis for the final six weeks last season — and did a good job — after Lou Piniella retired in August.
Then in October, he got the job for good. Now the decisions he makes will analyzed daily by thousands and they’ll be much more crucial to the Cubs’ success than whether to send a runner home or hold him at third.
Quade said Sunday, as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, that he can’t wait to get started.
